The Power of NZ Made Ingredients in Our Blends

At Indie + Mae, every ingredient has a purpose.

We don't believe in fillers, unnecessary additives, or ingredients that are included simply because they're trending. Instead, we focus on thoughtfully selected botanicals, oils, and plant-based ingredients that contribute something meaningful to every formulation.

Nature has an incredible ability to nourish, protect, and support the body. That's why our products are built around ingredients with a long history of traditional use and modern appreciation.

As a proudly NZ made brand, we're passionate about creating products that celebrate the power of natural ingredients while supporting everyday wellbeing.

From native New Zealand botanicals to globally loved plant oils, every ingredient in our blends is chosen with intention.

Here are five of our favourite ingredients and why they play such an important role in our products.

Kawakawa: A Treasured New Zealand Botanical

Few plants are as closely connected to New Zealand's natural heritage as kawakawa.

Recognised for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves, kawakawa has been valued for generations and remains one of New Zealand's most celebrated native plants.

Today, kawakawa is widely appreciated in natural skincare because of its soothing and comforting properties.

It is often included in skincare products designed to support:

• Dry skin
• Sensitive skin
• Irritated skin
• Everyday skin comfort
• Healthy-looking skin

At Indie + Mae, we love kawakawa because it reflects both our commitment to natural wellness and our connection to New Zealand's unique botanical landscape.

More than just an ingredient, kawakawa represents tradition, sustainability, and the wisdom found in nature.

Organic Shea Butter: Deep Nourishment for the Skin

Organic shea butter has earned its reputation as one of the most loved ingredients in natural body care.

Derived from the nuts of the African shea tree, this rich botanical butter is naturally packed with vitamins and fatty acids that help support healthy, hydrated skin.

Shea butter is particularly valued for its ability to:

• Lock in moisture
• Support the skin barrier
• Improve skin softness
• Help reduce feelings of dryness
• Nourish rough or weather-exposed skin

One of the reasons we love shea butter is its versatility.

Although deeply nourishing, it melts beautifully into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and comfortable rather than greasy.

Whether included in body butters, moisturisers, or intensive skin treatments, shea butter helps create products that feel luxurious and comforting.

Aloe Vera: Nature's Cooling Hydrator

Aloe vera has been used in skincare traditions around the world for centuries.

Known for its cooling and soothing properties, aloe vera remains one of the most trusted ingredients for supporting skin hydration and comfort.

Its lightweight nature makes it suitable for a wide variety of skin types, particularly those experiencing dryness or sensitivity.

Aloe vera is commonly used to help:

• Hydrate the skin
• Support skin comfort
• Soothe feelings of dryness
• Refresh sun-exposed skin
• Promote a healthy-looking complexion

At Indie + Mae, aloe vera helps create products that feel refreshing, calming, and easy to use throughout the year.

Its ability to deliver hydration without heaviness makes it a valuable ingredient in many of our formulations.

Argan Oil: Liquid Gold for Hair and Skin

Argan oil is often referred to as "liquid gold", and it's easy to understand why.

Sourced from the kernels of the argan tree, this luxurious oil has become a favourite ingredient in both skincare and haircare products around the world.

Rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, argan oil helps support softness, shine, and overall nourishment.

Its benefits may include:

For Hair

• Improved softness
• Enhanced shine
• Reduced appearance of dryness
• Better manageability

For Skin

• Lightweight hydration
• Softening support
• Antioxidant-rich nourishment
• A smoother, more comfortable feel

One of the things we love most about argan oil is that it delivers impressive nourishment without feeling heavy, making it suitable for a wide range of hair and skin types.

Flaxseed Oil: Omega-Rich Nourishment

Flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil, is another ingredient that plays an important role in our formulations.

Naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil is valued for its ability to support both skin and hair health.

For centuries, flax has been appreciated for its nutritional and wellness benefits, and today its oil continues to be a popular ingredient in natural beauty products.

Flaxseed oil may help support:

• Skin hydration
• Hair softness
• Scalp comfort
• Healthy-looking skin
• Moisture retention

Because it is rich in beneficial fatty acids, flaxseed oil contributes to products designed to nourish, balance, and support overall wellbeing.

Its versatility makes it an ideal ingredient for both skincare and haircare applications.

Why Ingredient Quality Matters

In natural skincare and body care, ingredient quality makes a significant difference.

The most effective formulations aren't necessarily the most complicated. Often, they're built around a handful of carefully selected ingredients that work together beautifully.

That's the philosophy we follow at Indie + Mae.

Rather than filling products with unnecessary additives, we focus on ingredients that genuinely contribute to the performance of the final product.

Every botanical, oil, butter, and extract is chosen because it offers something valuable.

This intentional approach helps us create products that are both effective and enjoyable to use.

Proudly NZ Made

Being NZ made is an important part of who we are.

Creating our products in New Zealand allows us to maintain high standards while supporting local businesses and celebrating the incredible natural resources that make this country unique.

It also allows us to incorporate ingredients like kawakawa that reflect our connection to Aotearoa and the traditions that continue to inspire us.

For us, being NZ made isn't just about where our products are manufactured.

It's about embracing local knowledge, supporting local communities, and creating products with authenticity and care.

Nature Knows Best

Across cultures and throughout history, people have turned to plants for nourishment, comfort, and healing.

While modern science continues to expand our understanding of natural ingredients, many of the botanicals we use today have been valued for generations.

At Indie + Mae, we believe there's something powerful about combining this traditional wisdom with thoughtful modern formulation.

The result is a collection of products that feel simple, effective, and deeply connected to nature.

Final Thoughts

Nature provides some of the most remarkable ingredients available for skincare, haircare, and wellbeing.

From the soothing properties of kawakawa to the nourishing richness of shea butter, the refreshing hydration of aloe vera, the luxurious softness of argan oil, and the omega-rich benefits of flaxseed oil, every ingredient in our blends serves a meaningful purpose.

At Indie + Mae, we honour that wisdom by creating NZ made products that celebrate purity, purpose, and the power of plants.

Because when nature is given the opportunity to shine, extraordinary things can happen.